New Study Confirms that Virginia’s Traffic is Among the Nation’s Worst

House and Senate Vote Today on Transportation Proposals

RICHMOND – Citing a new study on congestion that confirms Virginia traffic is among the nation’s worst, Governor Bob McDonnell called for affirmative action today by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates on transportation funding bills (HB2313/SB1355).

“The Texas Transportation Institute report released today confirms what Virginians already know: they face the worst traffic conditions in the country. Congestion in Northern Virginia and the rest of the Washington region is the worst in the country, with drivers losing 67 hours in delays a year at a annual cost of almost $1400 per commuter. The region is also the #1 in fuel wasted per driver, excess carbon dioxide emitted, and cost of congestion per driver. Since misery loves company, other parts of Virginia joined the congestion list. The Virginia Beach region is ranked #20 worst in the country and the Richmond region is #60. This is simply unacceptable,” said Governor McDonnell.

“Congestion is hurting our families, our economy and our way of life. For too long we have kicked the can while Virginians have sat in traffic. And the problems we face have only gotten worse. Today the House and Senate have the opportunity to change that. They have the opportunity to act to finally address and solve our transportation challenges. I urge the entire membership to put aside regional, partisan and personal differences to once and for all address this daunting challenge to our prosperity and our future, “ continued the Governor. “We must act decisively and we must act now to pass comprehensive transportation funding reform. Today is the day Virginia must act.”

According to the Texas Transportation Institute 2012 Urban Mobility Report:

Congestion in Northern Virginia/Washington region is the worst in the country. Drivers face 67 hours of delay per year, costing $1398 per driver and wasting 32 gallons of gas.

Congestion in the region around Virginia Beach is the 20th worst in the country. Drivers face 43 hours of delay per year, costing $877 per driver and wasting 19 gallons of gas.

Congestion in the Richmond area is the 60th worst in the country. Drivers face 29 hours of delay per year, costing $581 per driver and wasting 12 gallons of gas.

While this congestion cripples our economy and hurts our citizens’ pocket books, it also hurts the environment, producing 631 pounds of CO2 per driver in D.C., 373 pounds of CO2 per driver in Virginia Beach, and 234 pounds of CO2 per driver in Richmond.